Fraternity Foodie: UMass Amherst

I had a wonderful visit to UMass Amherst this weekend where I worked with the Fraternity and Sorority leadership on Strategies for Managerial Excellence, Officer Transition, and Reducing Risk. I was really blown away with how much this Greek system has grown over the last 10 – 20 years, as well as the high caliber of students that are part of this Greek community. I flew into Logan Airport in Boston, and as the Boston skyline came into focus, I started to daydream about sports. The Superbowl was only one day away.

As a New Yorker who grew up cheering for the Yankees, Rangers, and Giants, I remember how much I respected the teams in Boston. Think about those historic games against the Red Sox, the Bruins, and the Patriots. Every pitch, every shift, and every first down in each of those respective sports mattered. It was great drama, and I also believe that the competition between these cities continue to bring out the best in each other. I want to bring out the best in this Greek community because I know it’s there.

I was staying in nearby Northampton, which is a great town that has a ton of local restaurants and bars. I was able to go check out Local Burger (16 Main St, Northampton, MA 01060), which is a must. I had the Angus Hamburger with the standard toppings that include lettuce, tomato, and pickles. You can choose two ways of cooking it – “Some Pink” or “No Pink”. I chose “No Pink”, which made it crispy seared on the outside but still juicy on the inside. It’s a perfect burger, and you know what I mean. I also ordered the hand cut fries that are bursting with real potato flavors instead of a more processed french fry that you might get elsewhere. Finally, the Capt’n Crunch Hot Dog. It’s a hot dog that is coated in Capt’n Crunch and then deep fried, then topped with a homemade buffalo dressing. It’s incredible. They also have Capt’n Crunch covered chicken fingers if poultry is more your style. You won’t be sorry!

I’m clearly enjoying the 11 degree weather before getting started with the students on campus!

I had some great conversations and Q & A session with the leadership at Chi Omega at UMass Amherst as well.